Day: September 10, 2016

It’s Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint Day at Seoul. There are 11 races in the capital from 10:50 to 18:00 while at Busan there are 5 races from 12:20 to 15:55. English race cards are here. Full race-by-race preview below:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 60 Million / 10:50

Djordje Perovic picked up where he left off last week on his return to Korea after three months away and he can strike quickly with (2) EORIN WANGJA here. The colt was an improved 3rd on July 31st and can go even better today. First timers (8) HAENGUN MONEY and (10) RAON KINGDOM looked good in trials and can compete while (4) GOLDSTAR HILLS and (6) SIMCHEONG SADAL also look to have promise.

2nd on debut three weeks ago, (5) SAGYEJEOL is strongly favoured to go one better today. She should lead from the gate and should have too much. (4) GEUMA BENIR has come close in recent starts and should be placing as should (7) FULL GAIN, an improved 3rd last start. (8) EUNBIT NARAE was beaten three lengths by Sagyejeol in that August 20th race but can beat some of these today.

Selections

(5) Sagyejeol (4) Geuma Benir (7) Full Gain (8) Eunbit Narae

Next Best

6, 1, 3, 2

Fast Starters

1, 5

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 11:40

Brian Dean’s (2) JUNGL DRUMMER won on debut in May and looks ready to win again having flown through a trial last week under today’s jockey Jo Sung Gon. He’s the one to beat. (5) RUNNER QUEEN and (6) SERA KING look to be the main dangers having run 4th and 3rd respectively in a good race at this distance a month ago. (3) DEOKSUNG ILHO, up in class following her maiden win, and (7) STORM RYKER are others in the hunt.

Selections

(2) Jungl Drummer (6) Sera King (5) Runner Queen (7) Storm Ryker

Next Best

3, 8

Outsiders

1, 4, 9, 10

Fast Starters

3, 5, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:00

Full field in this all-filly race but probably the banker favourite of the day. That’s (11) HYESEONG YEOWANG, up in class after a facile 9-length win over the minimum on August 21st. This is her first time going further than 1000M but she should have too much. Also up in class is (5) EVA ROAD and she can be considered once more while (6) DIXIE SMILE and (10) SOKDO SHINHWA are both experienced money winners – if not actual winners – at this level. Yet to win at all is (12) MAMBO CHEONHA but she’s finished no worse than 3rd in her last six outings and could maintain that today.

(9) ULTRA ROCKET landed his maiden win at class and distance three weeks ago, he’ll be on speed early here and there’s no reason why he can’t make it two in a row. In this company (4) HIGH VET and (11) DANGCHANBISANG can improve, likewise the modestly named (3) BORN WINNER, who struggled on his first try at this level last month but has the services of Djordje Perovic aboard today. (7) HAPJAKPUM looks best of the rest.

Selections

(9) Ultra Rocket (11) Dangchanbisang (4) High Vet (3) Born Winner

Next Best

7, 5, 8, 10, 1

Outsiders

2, 6, 12

Fast Starters

5, 9, 11

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:35

Plenty of unraced imports go here but it’s a Korean-bred who is likely to be favourite. (11) ATHENA THUNDER is two for two and is therefore up in class. He could be craftily entered to maintain his 1000% record although he is tried at further than the minimum distance for the first time. Main danger and almost certain to be 2nd favourite is (9) SPIRIT OF HANSEN. He’s been 2nd in both starts to date and surely has a win in him soon. (2) MEGA IMPACT resumes nine weeks after scoring his maiden win in a similar race to this at 1000M and can be considered while (14) GANGTA beat (1) SMOKEY VALE on what was the latter’s debut last month and both can be considered here.

Selections

(11) Athena Thunder (9) Spirit Of Hansen (14) Gangta (2) Mega Impact

Next Best

1, 3, 6, 5, 12

Outsiders

4, 7, 8, 10, 13

Fast Starters

4, 5, 6, 11, 12

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 15:25

Big and competitive field. (2) GEUMA ZEUS was a class and distance winner last start, closing strongly and while he carries more weight today, can be respected. Looking for a hat-trick of wins is (11) NABOM CASTLE. He races for the first time in three months and carries top weight but can be considered. He’ll try to lead, as will (6) HURI BARAM, who disappointed on his first try at this class last month, when beaten by (12) RULES, but gets another chance today under champion jockey Moon Se Young. Up in class (5) SUN MASTER and (8) ÉCLAIR HUMOR need to improve but can go well.

FULL PREVIEW. The first of two international races on the card and Singapore’s (9) SUPER WINNER, in sparking form at Kranji over the summer has settled into Seoul Racecourse well, has drawn adequately if not ideally and is a serious contender for this big prize. He is likely to be the favourite. Main dangers look to be Hong Kong’s (2) SUPER JOCKEY, who has proven himself over similar surfaces in the past and US Group 1 winner (10) WILD DUDE. Among the Korean entries, (8) PERDIDO POMEROY is the pick with Oaks winner (7) OTTUG OTTUGI and last year’s Asia Challenge Cup winner (when he beat El Padrino) (6) CHOEGANG SCHILLER, the wildcard.

Selections

(2) Super Jockey (10) Wild Dude (9) Super Winner (8) Perdido Pomeroy

Next Best

7, 6, 13, 3, 1, 4, 14

Outsiders

5, 11, 12, 15, 16

Fast Starters

6, 7, 8, 13

Seoul Race 9: Class 3 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 16:55

(1) SPACE SHUTTLE was overwhelmed in a couple of Stakes races earlier this year but can go well in this company and is one of a number of contenders here. (3) GAIA THUNDER comes in off back to back wins and tries this distance for the first time as does (11) CHOWONUI CHANGA. Both can be considered here as can (4) CHEONHABI, who made all to win at 1300M a month and is up in class here. (7) VALLEY STAR and (9) QUEEN HUDSON, both prior winners at the distance are the wildcard picks

FULL PREVIEW. The second international race looks very competitive. Singapore’s (15) INFANTRY hasn’t drawn well but if he can find a decent position from the outside, he has every chance of going well having taken to the Seoul track a little better than the other Kranji raider (1) ORDER OF THE SUN. The Japanese pair of (3) CHRYSOLITE and (7) KURINO STAR O look the ones to beat with jockey Joe Fujii’s Seoul experience perhaps being a crucial factor on the former. UK all-weather specialist (8) SOLAR DEITY and French visitor (2) FAMOUS MARK provide intrigue. There could be a Korean winner. Triple Crown winner (16) POWER BLADE has had a long season but home fans will be hoping for a solid performance from him and stablemate (13) TRIPLE NINE. However, it may be that (5) BEOLMAUI KKUM is the most dangerous member of the home team.

Selections

(3) Chrysolite (5) Beolmaui Kkum (16) Power Blade (15) Infantry

Next Best

7, 13, 1, 8, 2, 10, 4

Outsiders

6, 9, 11, 12, 14

Fast Starters

5, 9, 12

Seoul Race 11: Class 1 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 18:00

(5) GOREOUS DREAM didn’t get into the Korea Sprint so instead he tries class 1 for the first time here. He also stretches out to 1400M which may be more of a concern that the step up in class but if he does handle the distance, he should win. (3) ALWAYS WINNER also steps up to class 1. He wan the JRA Trophy at this distan ce in June before struggling at Kranji the following month. Back at Seoul, he should be dangerous. The two “suns” (11) SUN SHOT and (14) SUN BURSTER look best of the rest.

A quick word on the Sprint though, I’m going to stick with Super Jockey although Super Winner will almost certainly begin as favourite and deservedly so on recent form. Wild Dude looks very dangerous. As hoped for, it’s a really open race which any number could win. As indeed is the Cup. Let’s get into it.

First off, the draw. At first glance, (16) POWER BLADE and (15) INFANTRY were the big losers. Jockey Kim Yong Geun’s theatrics at the barrier draw certainly suggested that, however, while nobody would have chosen gate 16, Power Blade began the Cup Mile from gate 10 and the Derby from gate 12. There are other reasons why it may be tough for Power Blade, which we will return to. As for Infantry, he can overcome it and having adapted to the sand reasonably well, is one of the main contenders.

The Japanese pair of (3) CHRYSOLITE and and (7) KURINO STAR O do look very dangerous. The track should hold no concerns for them and the draw has been very kind. With Joe Fujii on board, it is possible that Korean punters may make Chrysolite the favourite. He should settle reasonably handy and has a great chance.

(1) ORDER OF THE SUN is a capable sort but he was well-beaten by Infantry over a mile in July and that, combined with concerns on the sand, will make him less fancied that his fellow Singapore raider. Representing the UAE is (6) NEED TO KNOW. It’s not the racing season there right now so he hasn’t raced since April. Even with Tadhg O’Shea on board, this is a tough ask.

Europe is represented by Jane Chapple-Hyam’s (8) SOLAR DEITY. He’s an all-weather specialist who can’t be judged on his recent turf form (he’s been racing in very strong company) and while he won’t be among the favourites, a strong performance is possible under Darryll Holland, who rode this track when based in Korea at Busan. Moroccan bred (2) FAMOUS MARK represents France. He is another who hasn’t found it easy on the turf but was 3rd in a Listed race on dirt in Sweden in May and is another with a good draw today.

As for the Korean horses, Power Blade does have to catch the eye as we don’t really know how good he is yet. He won the Triple Crown without being seriously tested but this is a challenge of a whole different order and while he has only raced four times this year, can he be in peak condition once again? One hopes so but while a sizable minority in the Korean racing media have him to win, a top five finish would be creditable. That’s true too for stablemate (13) TRIPLE NINE, winner of last month’s Owner’s Cup over a mile.

Perhaps the most likely of the Korea-trained contingent is (5) BEOLMAUI KKUM. He made all to beat Triple Nine by five lengths in the Busan Mayor’s Cup in July, finally taking out a big race. Some observers argue that he is one of the most gifted horses to ever run in Korea but suffered from overwork in his early career. At 6, he now looks to be at his best and if he runs at it on Sunday, he could even win. He will almost certainly look to lead from gate-to wire.

Joining Beolmaui Kkum on the early speed will be (12) SAENGIL GIPPEUM and possibly (9) GUMPO SKY. Both are more than capable at this distance but staying on in this company will be tough. (11) DYNAMIC DASH has just been found a little wanting in good domestic company in his last couple of starts while Seoul-based (14) DYNAMIC JILJU hasn’t really faced much in the way of quality opposition. (4) MIRAE YEONGUNG and (10) WONDER BOLT are likely to be slower away. Both have strong finishes and are capable of picking off a few in the closing stages.

Saturday saw day 1 of the Korea Cup meeting and there were several Trophy Exchange races throughout the day:

Raon Amos won the Singapore Turf Club Trophy (Pic: Ross Holburt for KRA)

Trainer Lee Shin Young sent out the winners of both the Singapore Turf Club Trophy and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy. Raon Amos took the STC while Gray Socks was the winner of a messy event for 2-year-olds in the HKJC.

Gray Socks and Moon Se Young return to scale having won the inaugural HKJC Trophy (Pic: Ross Holburt for KRA)

HKJC Trophy ceremony (Pic: Ross Holburt for KRA)

Moon Se Young also won a race in a mini-jockey challenge that was held involving some of the jockeys who will ride in Sunday’s Korea Cup & Sprint. Abderahim Faddoul, representing France was the best visitors although he has to wear the British silk after the French one went missing:

Abderahim Faddoul received his trophy from Yangtae Park (Pic: Ross Holburt for KRA)

Earlier the Macau Jockey Club Trophy had been won by Ham Wan Sik on Dixie Ploit while later on, the Horse Racing Ireland Trophy ended with an easy win for Kim Hye Sun on Cheonji Storm:

International weekend gets underway at Seoul Racecourse on Saturday and while the Cup and Sprint are tomorrow, there’s still plenty going on. There are four exchange “Trophy races” with the Macau Jockey Club, Singapore Turf Club, Hong Kong Jockey Club and Horse Racing Ireland as well as the official launch of the new 127 metre-long screen. In total there are 13 races from 14:00 to 21:00. English racecards here, brief notes on races 1-10 below:

Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 60 Million / 14:00

Nine of the twelve debut here and trial “winner” (7) RAON QUANTUM is set to be the one to beat. He finished strongly in his trial, beating a couple who also debut here and should go well under the champion jockey. Among other debut makers, (6) MY VISION and (10) USEUNGUI CHUEOK caught the eye in trials, however the main danger is likely to be one of those with experience. (3) YEOKDAE CHOESANG was 3rd on debut at the end of July and can have come on for that.

Big field and despite a trainer/jockey combination that isn’t in form (3) RECONQUISTA has to be slight favourite here. He beat three of these when running 2nd a month ago at this distance and can go one better today. (11) CALL ME JK comes in following a career best 2nd the same day and can come close once more as can (14) GANGJASEUNG, who improved under an apprentice jockey last time out and has the same rider returning today. Brian Dean’s (2) CALEDONIA can also improve on his debut run behind Reconquista while (1) WON AGAIN – yet to win – is the other one to consider.

Selections

(3) Reconquista (2) Caledonia (11) Call Me JK (14) Gangjaseung

Next Best

1, 8, 5, 10

Outsiders

4, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13

Fast Starters

5

Race 3: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:30

Another full field and this race is part of a brief challenge for some of the jockeys in town for Sunday’s international races. The Koreans have got the best of the draw with (6) DARK AMBER likely to be disputing favourite status with (10) MONDAY MONEY. Both look ready to win. (9) MENI VET has come close on each of her last four outings and should do so again while among the foreign riders, Abderahim Faddoul has perhaps the best draw with (7) YESANGBAEK SEUNG. Also in with a shout is (5) IBAEGJEOM.

Selections

(6) Dark Amber (10) Monday Money (9) Menu Vet (7) Yesangbaek Seung

Next Best

5, 4, 14, 8, 3, 13

Outsiders

1, 2, 11, 12

Fast Starters

7, 9, 10, 12

Race 4: Class 4 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 16:15

The first of the trophy races so a big prize on offer here. (4) GWANGYANG DOLPUNG Is favourite to land it having been a close 2nd his first try at class and distance last month. He’ll settle handy and could have too much late on. (7) SUBAEKHYANG and (2) DIXIE PLOIT come in having run 2nd and 3rd respectively at this distance on August 20th and will be competitive again while (5) RAON NARA and (8) DEVIL MAN are both up in class and nicely in here.

Some of the visiting jockeys return here for this filly-only trophy race although again it’s a local who has the best of the draw with Kim Yong Geun pulling out (9) RAON AMOS. The filly has won her last four with varying degrees of ease and while she faces a stiffer test here, she should be on speed early and can win again. (7) BLAZING STAR gives Tadgh O’Shea an opportunity to show what he can do; the 3-year-old won three in a row between April and June and should also be on speed here. (4) OUR CAT, (5) REWARD HIGH and (8) JEWELRY PARK look best of the rest in a nicely competitive race.

The inaugural Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy is for 2-year-olds who passed through local sales and there’s a huge prize on offer. (10) ROCKET QUEEN didn’t impress on debut last month but went back to trail just last week and absolutely flew through and Brian Dean’s filly comes into contention as a result. (3) CLEAN UP SKY and (9) LEAD MONEY were perhaps the most impressive on their debuts with (2) PHILLANIKE and (8) NEW WHY FI also showing potential for improvement.

Selections

(10) Rocket Queen (3) Clean Up Sky (9) Lead Money (2) Phillanike

Next Best

8, 11, 1, 5, 12

Outsiders

4, 6, 7

Fast Starters

3, 5, 9, 10

Race 7: Class Open / 2000M / Weight for Age / KRW 150 Million / 17:55

(5) SUN STRONG and (1) GASOKBULPAE ran 1st and 2nd over this distance in the Sports Chosun Cup in June. While Sun Strong struggled on reappreance at class 1 in July and Gasokbulpae han’t raced since, both look strong here. Gasokbulpae will try to lead from gate to wire. (2) CHEONJI STORM was a good 2nd in the Ilgan Sports Cup at the end of July and should be competitive on his first try at this distance while (3) ROYAL VICTORY and (7) HOWIMUSA look best of the rest.

Selections

(1) Gasokbulpae (5) Sun Strong (2) Cheonji Storm (7) Howimusa

Next Best

6, 3, 4

Fast Starters

1

Race 8: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 18:35

Back to the big fields. (10) WANJEON MULGYEOL provided trainer Kim Dong Chul with his first ever winner last month and it is possible he could provide him with his 2nd here. It won’t be easy though. (13) HAPPIEST was beaten by Wanjeon Mulgyeol last time but should get closer today while (2) CUPID PARK and (4) GEUMBIT SONATA can both improve on slightly disappointing outings last time while (12) CHOWON BOLT can build on a 3rd and a 2nd in his last two starts. (6) GWACHEON WONDER is up in class following a 2nd place over this distance and while he is yet to win in ten attempts, he looks nicely in here.

(10) SILLA HWARANG is up in class following his maiden win on his second start and he is favoured to keep improving her. He should come from just behind an early pace that could be set by (11) PINK STAR, who has just the one win in 25 races but has been coming close recently. (2) DRAGON SPEED comes in following an improved 3rd in July and then ten weeks off and can go well while (3) HWANHUIUISUNGAN and (8) HWANSANGUI DOYAK look best of the rest.

Two standouts here with (3) VIVA TRINITY a class and distance winner on August 20th. He carries more weight today but can follow up. (6) SEONGBULOREUM’s recent form is better than 6th and 5th from her last two suggest – both were tight and with more luck she could have got closer coming from off the pace. (7) PRO MATEUS is inconsistent but can improve here while (2) SHINE CLOVER and (12) INDIE RUNNER are others to take into account.